Spuds apply for EU status

THE humble spud could join the likes of Champagne and Parma ham in being given European protection.

Ayrshire new potatoes, or Ayrshire earlies, are in line to be handed protection under geographical guidelines meaning they must be grown in the county.

The proposal was put forward by farming group Girvan Early Growers last year and has been subjected to Scottish Government consultations.

The UK Government has now applied for the Ayrshire earlies to be granted Protected Geographical Indicator status by the EU.

If successful, the spuds will join a list of more than 70 UK food and drink products with the status – including Scotch whisky and Scottish salmon.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: ‘Protection under this legislation would mean that another producer couldn’t market their produce using that name.’